ryan leonardHis freshman season isn't over yet, as Boston College heads into the NCAA postseason. However, the regular season awards have been announced.
Leonard, who was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie team last week, received further recognition Monday for his impressive rookie campaign.
The Washington Capitals' top prospect has been named one of three finalists for Hockey East Rookie of the Year. Leonard joins linemate Will Smith and likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Maclin Celebrini, who will compete for the award.
The 2023 first-round draft pick has scored 26 goals in 35 games for Boston College, the fourth-highest total in the nation. Among the freshmen, only Celebrini scored more goals (30). Leonard also scored a season total of 49 points, ranking ninth in the NCAA and fourth among all freshmen behind Smith (58 points), Celebrini (55 points) and Gabe Perreault (50 points).
He scored his 26th goal in the Hockey East Tournament quarterfinals against UW on Saturday night. With 12.1 seconds left in the second period, defenseman Eamon Powell fired a shot toward the net on a power play, and Leonard deftly tipped goaltender Arseni Sergeyev.
Leonard also had a team-high six shots on goal and took a roughing penalty in the 5-4 win. His 26 goals are the third-most by a freshman in Boston College history. He is one goal away from tying him with Chuck Kobasiu (27) and Richie Smith (27) for second place.
Former NHLer Brian Gionta currently holds the school's all-time record in that category with 30 goals in 40 games during the 1997-98 season. Leonard will have remaining games in the Hockey East Tournament and NCAA Tournament to track Gionta.
Boston College will play the University of Massachusetts in the semifinals on Friday. Leonard shined for the Minutemen in two regular season games, making 5 of 10 shots on goal.
